Guidelines and Procedures for Transfers and postings of employees in Telangana

Telangana Government Lifts Ban on Employee Transfers: Key Guidelines and Procedures

The Government of Telangana has announced the lifting of the ban on employee transfers, allowing for new postings and relocations under specific guidelines. The Finance (HRM.I) Department issued these new orders on July 3, 2024, outlining a structured process for the transfers to ensure efficiency and transparency.

Overview of the Transfer Schedule

Transfers will be conducted from July 5, 2024, to July 20, 2024, following a detailed schedule provided in Annexure-I. This schedule ensures that all departments follow a systematic approach to manage the transfers smoothly.

Eligibility and Conditions for Employee Transfers

Service Duration Requirements

1. Minimum Service Period: Employees must have completed at least two years in their current station as of June 30, 2024, to be eligible for transfer. However, this condition is relaxed for transfer requests based on spouse grounds.
2. Maximum Service Period: Employees who have served more than four years in a particular station as of June 30, 2024, must be transferred, except for those retiring before June 30, 2025, unless they request a transfer.

Transfer Limitations

To minimize work disruption, no more than 40% of employees in any cadre will be transferred.

Priority Criteria for Transfer Requests

When multiple employees request transfers to the same location, the following priorities will be considered, provided the employees meet other conditions and are not facing disciplinary actions:

1. Spouse Cases: Preference will be given to one spouse in husband and wife cases.
2. Retiring Employees: Those retiring before June 30, 2025, can opt for preferred locations.
3. Disabled Employees: Employees with 70% or more disability, as certified by a competent authority.
4. Employees with Special Needs Children: Preference for locations with adequate medical facilities.
5. Widows: Widows will receive priority consideration.
6. Medical Grounds: Employees or their immediate family members with severe medical conditions, such as cancer or requiring major surgeries, will be prioritized for locations with suitable treatment facilities.
7. Service in Hardship Areas: Employees who have served longer in hardship areas identified by their departments.

Transparent Transfer Procedures

The government has mandated a transparent and objective process for effecting transfers:

1. Publication of Lists: Heads of Departments (HoDs) must publish the list of incumbents, clear vacancies, and employees to be compulsorily transferred.
2. Submission of Options: Employees can submit up to five preferred transfer locations.
3. Counseling: Transfers will be done through a counseling process, which will be conducted transparently, preferably via online/web-based applications.
4. Verification: HoDs will verify the grounds for personal or medical transfers and report any discrepancies to the government.

Special Provisions for Specific Departments

Certain departments have additional guidelines or may need to modify existing orders to meet their specific requirements:

1. Education Department: Will create detailed guidelines for transferring teachers and lecturers.
2. Revenue-Earning Departments: Departments such as Commercial Taxes, Prohibition & Excise, and Stamps & Registration will follow separate guidelines.
3. Police Department: Will establish specific guidelines for transferring police personnel.

Competent Authorities for Transfers

Transfers will be managed by designated competent authorities as per existing rules and delegated powers:

1. State Cadre: Managed by a committee including the Special Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Department.
2. Multi-Zonal/Zonal Cadre: Overseen by the HoD and additional secretaries.
3. District Cadre: Administered by the District Collector and relevant department heads.

General Provisions and Compliance

1. Presidential Order Compliance: All transfers will adhere to the Presidential Order provisions.
2. Posting of Gazetted Officers: Instructions on posting second-level and higher-level gazetted officers to their native districts will be followed.
3. Request Transfers: Transfers based on employee preferences will be treated as request transfers for the purpose of T.T.A. and other benefits.

Re-imposition of Ban on Transfers

The ban on transfers will be reinstated from July 21, 2024.

By following these guidelines and procedures, the Government of Telangana aims to ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient transfer process that addresses both organizational needs and employee welfare.